Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris McDermott
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Sure. I started Cryptid CrossFit because I saw a real need in our community – people were busy, stressed, and unsure of how to take control of their health. That hit close to home for me. I really struggled with my own weight and health when I was younger. I believe that fitness is about more than just workouts; it’s about reclaiming your energy, your confidence, and your quality of life.
When we opened the doors in Kalamazoo, it wasn’t just about building a gym. I wanted to create a third place. A place beyond work and home where people could show up, feel welcomed, have fun, and start moving toward a healthier future. That vision has never changed.
We’ve grown by staying focused on our mission: to help 10,000 people in our community improve their health. Every person who walks in is treated with empathy and coached with expertise. We don’t sell fitness gimmicks—we build real relationships, and we coach people to real results.
Today, Cryptid CrossFit is more than a gym. It’s a hub for community, a support system, and a place where busy people find the time and tools to take back their health. I’m proud of where we started, but even more excited about where we’re headed.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not a smooth road, but the challenges have shaped who we are.
One of the biggest hurdles early on was educating people about what really is CrossFit. YouTube and TV make it look really intimidating, but that’s not the case at Cryptid CrossFit. Many assumed it was only for elite athletes, so we had to show that our approach is for everyone: especially busy, everyday people looking to improve their health.
You don’t need to be fit to start CrossFit, we meet people where they are and help them. 7 or 87 years old? No problem? 52 years old, 350lbs, and never worked out? Let us show you how to start.
Internally, it’s been about growing with intention. As we’ve scaled, we’ve worked hard to keep our core values: community, fun, and health, at the center of everything we do.
Every challenge has made us stronger and more committed to our mission.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Cryptid CrossFit?
Cryptid CrossFit is a community-based fitness gym in Kalamazoo that specializes in helping busy people get fit and healthy. We offer coached group CrossFit classes, one-on-one personal training, nutrition coaching, massage therapy, and injury rehab—all under one roof.
What sets us apart is how personalized and supportive our approach is. We’re not a “one-size-fits-all” gym. Every person who walks in gets a custom health plan based on their goals, needs, and lifestyle. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been active for years, we meet you where you’re at.
We’re known for having an incredibly welcoming and fun environment. Our coaches are not only professionally trained, but they genuinely care. You’re never just another face in the crowd—we know your name, your goals, and how to help you succeed.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the community we’ve built. People come for the workouts, but they stay for the friendships, support, and the belief that they can take control of their health.
If there’s one thing I want readers to know, it’s this: you don’t have to be fit to start. You just have to start. And we’re here to help every step of the way.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I’d just say this—health doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You don’t need to have it all figured out before you walk through our doors. Most of the people we work with are juggling careers, families, and busy schedules. They just want to feel better, move better, and live longer. That’s exactly who we help.
If you’ve been thinking about making a change but don’t know where to start, come see us for a free No-Sweat Intro. It’s just a conversation—no pressure, no workout—just a chance to talk about your goals and see if we’re the right fit for you.
Our mission is to help 10,000 people in Kalamazoo improve their health. We’d love for you to be one of them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cryptidcrossfit.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cryptidcrossfit/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CryptidCrossFit/
- Other: https://tinyurl.com/CCFNoSweat
